Nail Problems

[Eve]

I have nails which tend to grow quite long and strongish but tend to split and break off after a while.

I've noticed that the bit where the nail is separate to the nail bed (at the sides, not the bottom) is increasing with the tougher bit down the sides of the nail seeming to be coming away more which leaves them far more vunerable.

Is there any way of trying to protect them more as I'm worried they will be more likely to catch on things and pull off (can't even write that without wincing...ewwww and owwww!) or split and take a lot more of the nail with it (ie the really painful bit).

Apart from the potentially painful aspect I also like having nice longer nails as it makes my hands look nicer and more feminine and kind of detracts a bit from red swollen arthritis fingers.

[lcg]

nothing special...i take multivitamins (with calcium in); make sure you file your nails regularly (even after cutting, both sides from the outside in, and the sides of the nail where your problem is); i find a squared tip nail that is fairly short to begin with is best for strength and getting your nails to thicken while growing (and it may take a few months); a nail strengthener and at least a clear coat of gloss on top - repeat at least x2 weekly; and never, ever have any fake nails done (by you or a salon) as they just trolley your nails - you either have to keep getting them done and the nails need to breathe a bit! i bit my nails and fingers until i was 27 and it took a couple of years to get them right....i do them regularly and my favourite look is silver tips (instead of white ones) and clear gloss. i get loads of compliments, do them myself perfectly (it does take a bit of practice) and they take work. never do the washing up or immerse your hands in water for longish periods (get a man to do it!), use a good hand cream and if you have a particular issue there is usually a solution. the side of the nail is usually the first to go as you do catch them on things and mine usually get ripped there too....be conscious of this and i do things like take washing out of the machine more carefully or use door handles slightly differently to ensure i don't catch my nails....... :o)

[Eve]

Thanks for the advice :) I tend to round them when filing to try and prevent sharp edges which catch, think I may need to keep them shorter too, the thought of them catching so much further down makes me shudder!!!

[ladybirder]

Collagen tablets will strengthen them. They've made a massive difference to my nails.

[Eve]

Didn't know you could get it in tablets! The sides of the nails are quick thickened and a little raggy, it's more the fact that the nail seems to have come away from it so far down that worries me, the side just pulls right away. Would the collagen stuff encourage the nails to reattach do you think? So they are more protected and secured?

[shaneystar2]

My nails are affected by the arthritis Jenna .They tend to curve away and under to one side if I don't keep them shaped .Much as I don't like the "square nail" look this is how mine grow anyway so I leave them square these days and just round the corners off a bit .
Don't fiddle filing them down at the sides ! It'll just weaken them more ,then when you are chopping onions you slice into them ...ouch ....and it takes glue and more glue until they grow out :)

[pizza]

aw bless lcg never do the washing up wud b gr8 2 live in ur world lol x

[ladybirder]

Jenna what have you got to lose by trying it? I saw an improvement with my nails very quickly. I read somewhere your body doesn't produce as much collagen as you get older so I thought I'd give them a try. I get them from Holland & Barrett.

[nungate]

Look after your cuticles Jenna. Every night before you turn out the light massage some nail oil - OPI do a great one called Avoplex - can be a bit on the dear side or a cuticle cream - Avon do a nice rose one. By keeping the cuticles moisturised and pushed back (gently after a bath or shower when they are soft) that ought to prevent them from creeping up the side of your nails and breaking off which then catch, or you pull them off (painful). Even if you were to simply massage some hand and nail cream into them you should see an improvement in the overall condition of your nails.

[lcg]

pizza....it's the only housework i ruddy refuse to do....i live with 2 boys (inc. the 37yr old mr kicker!) and 3 cats. not a lot of help is offered or i have to do it all again anyway as they do a s*it job!!!! x